Alabama § 11-51-128 - Telephone Companies.

Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 11-51-128 — Telephone Companies., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 11-51-128. Telephone Companies.

(a) The maximum amount of privilege or license tax which the several municipalities within this state may annually assess and collect of persons operating telephone exchanges and long distance telephone lines in this state for the privilege of doing intrastate business within the limits of such municipalities, whether such persons are incorporated under the laws of this state or any other state, is fixed as follows:

(1) In municipalities having not exceeding 500 inhabitants, exchange license, $15.00, long distance license, $8.00;

(2) In municipalities having a population of more than 500 and not exceeding 1,000, exchange license, $30.00, long distance license, $8.00;

(3) In municipalities having a population of more than 1,000 and not exceeding 2,000, exchange license, $60.00, long distance license, $15.00;

(4) In municipalities having a population of more than 2,000 and not exceeding 3,000, exchange license, $105.00, long distance license, $27.00;

(5) In municipalities having a population of more than 3,000 and not exceeding 4,000, exchange license, $150.00, long distance license, $38.00;

(6) In municipalities having a population of more than 4,000 and not exceeding 5,000, exchange license, $210.00, long distance license, $53.00;

(7) In municipalities having a population of more than 5,000 and not exceeding 6,000, exchange license, $270.00, long distance license, $68.00;

(8) In municipalities having a population of more than 6,000 and not exceeding 7,000, exchange license, $330.00, long distance license, $83.00;

(9) In municipalities having a population of more than 7,000 and not exceeding 8,000, exchange license, $390.00, long distance license, $98.00;

(10) In municipalities having a population of more than 8,000 and not exceeding 9,000, exchange license, $450.00, long distance license, $113.00;

(11) In municipalities having a population of more than 9,000 and not exceeding 10,000, exchange license, $510.00, long distance license, $128.00;

(12) In municipalities having a population of more than 10,000 and not exceeding 11,000, exchange license, $570.00, long distance license, $143.00;

(13) In municipalities having a population of more than 11,000 and not exceeding 12,000, exchange license, $630.00, long distance license, $158.00;

(14) In municipalities having a population of more than 12,000 and not exceeding 13,000, exchange license, $690.00, long distance license, $173.00;

(15) In municipalities having a population of more than 13,000 and not exceeding 14,000, exchange license, $750.00, long distance license, $188.00;

(16) In municipalities having a population of more than 14,000 and not exceeding 15,000, exchange license, $800.00, long distance license, $203.00;

(17) In municipalities having a population of more than 15,000 and not exceeding 16,000, exchange license, $870.00, long distance license, $210.00;

(18) In municipalities having a population of more than 16,000 and not exceeding 17,000, exchange license, $920.00, long distance license, $233.00;

(19) In municipalities having a population of more than 17,000 and not exceeding 18,000, exchange license, $990.00, long distance license, $248.00;

(20) In municipalities having a population of more than 18,000 and not exceeding 19,000, exchange license, $1,050.00, long distance license, $263.00;

(21) In municipalities having a population of more than 19,000 and not exceeding 20,000, exchange license, $1,110.00, long distance license, $278.00;

(22) In municipalities having a population of more than 20,000 and less than 175,000, exchange license, $1,110.00 for the first 20,000 inhabitants and $60.00 for each additional 1,000 inhabitants or majority fraction thereof, up to 175,000 population; long distance license, $278.00 for the first 20,000, and $15.00 for each additional 1,000, or majority fraction thereof, up to 175,000 population; and

(23) In municipalities having a population of more than 175,000, exchange license, $12,000, long distance license, $3,000.00.

(b) In arriving at the assessment of privilege or license tax which may be assessed and collected under subsection (a) of this section, the population of the several cities and towns shall be computed and based on the federal census next preceding the year for which such license tax is assessed from year to year; provided, that if a municipality should be incorporated subsequent to any federal census the population shown in the charter of incorporation shall determine the amount of license due until the next federal census shall find and declare such population.

Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 11-51-128

What does Code of Alabama § 11-51-128 cover?

Section 11-51-128 ("Telephone Companies.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Alabama § 11-51-128?

A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 11-51-128" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Alabama law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.

How does Alabama § 11-51-128 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.